Bong Go backs hazard pay for gov't workers reporting during quarantine

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go supports the granting of hazard pay to government employees required to physically report for work during community quarantine periods.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Administrative Order No. 26 authorizing the grant of hazard pay at a maximum of P500 per day for personnel who physically report to work during the enhanced community quarantine.

This hazard pay applies to national government agencies, state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations, and personnel in regular, contractual, casual, contract of service, or job order positions.

The grant of COVID-19 hazard pay has a retroactive application starting March 17.

Personnel already receiving other forms of hazard pay will receive the higher amount between their existing benefit and the new COVID-19 hazard pay.

Heads of government agencies may grant the COVID-19 hazard pay without DBM approval, provided certain conditions are met.

The order also noted that similar hazard pay may be granted to employees in the Senate, House of Representatives, Judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman, and other independent constitutional bodies.

Hazard pay for local government unit employees will be determined by their respective Sanggunians based on financial capability.

The President strongly encouraged private hospitals and health facilities to extend a similar benefit to their health workers and staff.